Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Relatives of a patient at IMSS 18 hospital have accused medical staff of negligence and threats, claiming the woman has been waiting for surgery since April 24 after being admitted following a car accident.
The patient, identified as Iraís H. O., was initially left in a hallway after admission, according to her family. Nurses reportedly told her over the weekend that she would be evaluated by an internist and anesthesiologist on Monday.
However, the evaluation did not occur until Wednesday, and she was not operated on, with staff allegedly citing other priorities.
The situation escalated when medical personnel discovered Iraís had a cell phone, left by a relative so she could communicate. According to the family, the head nurse pressured her to hand over the phone and allegedly called municipal police.
Iraís asked for empathy, explaining the phone was her only way to stay in contact with her mother. The head nurse then allegedly threatened to have her sign a voluntary discharge.
Since Iraís refused to give up the phone, the family claims medical staff have worsened their treatment and prolonged her hospital stay before surgery.
Relatives have called on authorities to intervene and ensure the patient receives timely medical attention.
